Didn't want to hijack JK's post. My brother just texted me that my mom passed away at 7:30. My sister, brother and I all agreed we don't know whether to feel sad or relieved. She was very ready to go and her body was just worn out. Rosaboobie and I were saying that our bodies just aren't made to live this long.

She had contracted RSV, which is a virus which would give any of us a bad cold.

We are heading out tomorrow morning - it's about a 10 hour drive up there. It was iffy whether we should leave this morning or not, so we decided to wait on some blood work the doctor did.

Mom was quite a character and had a long life well-lived.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you tomatoes, make Bloody Marys.

Oh, Drac...I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I guess we can share our collective grief through cyberspace. You know I'm giving you a huge hug right now...and likely dampening your shoulder in the process. I know that the Lord is sovereign...and there is a time for every purpose under heaven...but we are all human, and our frail humanity needs to grieve. You and your family will be in my prayers.JK

So very sorry to hear of your loss, Drac. You and your family were very blessed that she lived a very long life. My own mother passed at only 67 from Alzheimers, that was 30 years or more ago and I still miss her every day.

My thoughts are with you, Drac, at this sad time. I feel I know her too, through all your lovely family photos you have posted, and she seemed to be a very wonderful person who was always surrounded by her loving family.

BoobieIf people had hearts like dogs, the world would be a better place!

Thank you so much, everyone. As I posted elsewhere, we are sitting here in a good old Iowa blizzard right now! There are at least 6 little 11 year old cousins running around having a blast. My sister's living room is covered with air mattresses and giggling girls at night. Funeral is tomorrow and we hope the roads are cleared enough to head home Wednesday.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you tomatoes, make Bloody Marys.

"The whole of life is just like watching a film. Only it's as though you always get in ten minutes after the big picture has started, and no-one will tell you the plot, so you have to work it out all yourself from the clues."— Terry Pratchett